A FATHER-of-two says he is lucky to be alive after he was brutally stabbed in the head - leaving him with more than 40 stitches.

The victim, who wants to be known only as Jason, was walking along Park Road towards Shelthorpe at 11.45pm on Friday, June 20, when the incident occurred.

The 25-year-old noticed a couple arguing in the street and as he passed the male pulled out a knife and began to attack him and his friend.

"He was like a mad man," said Jason. "He must have swung the blade at me 20 to 30 times."

He was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment on three serious cuts to the left side of his head and a cut near the eye.

He has permanently lost the feeling in one part of his face while his friend escaped with minor injuries.

Jason, who has two small daughters, nine and six months, told the Echo: "I want this man to be caught. If he can do this to me, then he can do this to anyone."

Sgt Pete Wheeler, who is investigating the case, is now appealing for witnesses or anyone who may know the attacker.

He added: "We would particularly like to speak to the woman with the attacker. We know that she tried to stop him from attacking the victim and hope that she might feel able to come forward and help us with our enquiries."

The attacker has been described as white, between 16 and 19-years-old and about 5ft 10 ins tall.

He has short blond or light brown hair, a very skinny face, which was clean shaven. He was wearing a grey top, with dark socks worn over his trousers and trainers.

The woman is described as white, between 15 and 18-years-old and about 5ft 6ins tall.

She had a blond pony tail, with light blue jeans and a light top. She wore a lot of jewellery on her left hand.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.